CALIFORNIA, Md. (Dec. 10, 2007) – Deputy State Fire Marshals have arrested a twenty-year-old Hollywood man for arson. James J. Ickes III, was taken into custody this afternoon without incident on a warrant stemming from an investigation of a fire that occurred early this morning.
Ickes has been charged with second degree arson and if convicted could face a maximum penalty of twenty years imprisonment and/or $ 30,000 in fines. He is currently being held at the St. Mary’s County Detention Center pending a bond review hearing.
The fire at Airtec Aviation, located 44174 Airport Road, California, occurred at 3:16 a.m. this morning. The building owned by Steven Bildman sustained minimal damage as the fire burned itself out shortly after being set.
Investigators determined that the fire was intentionally started by igniting a combustible trash can and its contents in the buildings bathroom. The building was protected by a fire sprinkler and fire alarm system but neither were required to activate and there was no fire department response.
Three airplanes were stored in the building at the time of the fire.
The evidence of a fire was discovered by employees reporting for work.
Maryland State Police, Aviation Command, who occupy an adjacent hanger responded to and assisted in the investigation.